‘Never Let Me Go’ DVD Review

A review by G-FUNK

Director: Mark Romanek

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, Domhnall Gleeson

Plot: A group of children grow up in an unusual boarding school where their movements are monitored and frequent medical checkups are conducted. Later in life they learn of their true purpose – they are genetic clones created for the role of providing organs for the rest of society.

Review: I saw the poster and DVD cover for this movie multiple times before finding out about its remarkable sci-fi premise. Not that it sells itself as a science-fiction film – aside form the concept it carries all the tropes of drama film. But like all good science fiction concepts this becomes the framework for a deeper discussion on human nature.

Casting some the best young talent currently doing the rounds, the roles are well crafted and developed by both the adult actors and their school-age counter parts. Given the complexity of the parts and the unusual circumstances that they inhabit the consistency in the performances is simply amazing. At no point does it simply feel as though the viewer is glimpsing moments of a life but a life in its entirety. Given the overall themes of mortality and relationships this makes the movie itself something special.

The simple design choices are brought to life by former music video alum Mark Romenak’s superb eye for cinematography. The gentle colour palette warms the screen and draws the viewer into the world of the tragic characters. The director’s previous work in a more artistic medium is a boon to the story.

Ultimately the movie ends, as expected, on a sad note story-wise but with a positive outlook. Unlike the characters we do not have a prescribed end point to our lives which makes the final scene all the more poignant. The message of living your life to the fullest is rarely delivered more beautifully.

Score: NINE outta TEN